Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members & Friends,
Please see the attached announcement for an important  Zoom community meeting Thursday December 3rd, 6-8pm about proposed changes & cuts to MBTA service in the Fenway.

As part of the MBTA’s Forging Ahead Plan, proposed changes & cuts to MBTA service in the Fenway include the potential elimination of the #55 bus.Join and speak with MBTA staff & elected representatives  about what you can do to shape the future of MBTA service in the neighborhood. 
Public comments are encouraged: You may fill out the survey at https://mbta.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wwDij8OeDXsr8F or email your comments to publicengagement@mbta.com

PLEASE NOTE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES 5P.M. DECEMBER 4TH 2020 (THE DAY AFTER THE MEETING) 
This will be your final opportunity to hear from, meet, and speak with MBTA and your elected representatives and share your perspectives on these potential service changes. 

Zoom information is available at fenwaycommunitycenter.org/calendar on 12/3 or see the following:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89364916074? pwd=alhlSmxKcVJkRFpLdWcvR1VVb0JQdz09 Meeting ID: 893 6491 6074 Passcode: 228512 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89364916074#,,,,,,0#,,228512# US (Washington D.C) Meeting ID: 893 6491 6074 Passcode: 228512

This meeting is hosted by the MBTA in collaboration with The Fenway Community Center and the Fenway Civic Association.

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Dear Members and Friends:

Thanks to the generosity of Samuels & Associates, the Fenway Cares collaborative will be distributing free frozen turkeys to Fenway residents, with distribution planned for next Monday, November 23rd.Interested or do know a resident who is? Don’t need one but want to help volunteer to deliver turkeys to your neighbors? Please see the attached flyer for more information or sign up at: https://bit.ly/FenwayCaresTurkey

Please note: Quantities are limited, and will be provided to those who respond first, with a deadline of Saturday 11/21- sign up today!

Special thanks to Fenway Community Center for organizing this special effort.

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Dear All,
Please see the following from Senator Will Brownsberger regarding service cuts to the MBTA.A description of the proposed elimination of the #55 bus here: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-11-09-forging-ahead-bus-the-ride.pdf

Upcoming meetings include:

Upcoming System-Wide Meetings

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Hearing: System-Wide Service

NOVEMBER 19, 2020, 6:00 PM

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Hearing: System-Wide Service

Virtual, Boston, MA

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Meeting: System-Wide Service

DECEMBER 2, 2020, 6:00 PM

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Meeting: System-Wide Service

Virtual, Boston, MA

Upcoming Regional Meetings

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Meeting: Boston and Milton (Region 3)

NOVEMBER 14, 2020, 1:00 PM

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Meeting: Boston and Milton (Region 3)

Virtual, Boston, MA

Forging Ahead Virtual Public Meeting: Inner Core (Region 4)

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With overall ridership down 75% from pre-COVID-19 levels, the MBTA is considering a package of service cuts. Subway service may see frequency reductions of 20%.  Some bus service may be reduced or eliminated.  The 55 and 43 would both be eliminated under the initial proposal. The MBTA has scheduled a series of zoom hearings over the next couple of weeks. Learn more about the proposed changes and the hearing schedule here. Scroll down on that page to see a map of service changes and the coming hearing schedule. Some cuts are inevitable, given the scale of ridership loss, but I will be following the conversation closely with concern, especially for the loss of the 55 and 43.

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Boston Cannabis Commission hearing for Cypress Tree, November 12, 1:00 p.m. (via Zoom) A proposal to open a cannabis store at 1114 Boylston Street will be part of the Boston Cannabis Commission’s hearings on November 12th at 1:00 p.m.Testimony is open to the public, limited to 2 minutes, and written comments may also be submitted.For more information on how to testify or comment, visit: https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/13671381 or write to: cannabisboard@boston.gov

Save the date – Neighborhood Improvement Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 18, 2020            More information to come!

220 Huntington Avenue Impact Advisory Group meeting, November 18, 6:00 p.m. (via zoom) Register in advance for this meeting at:www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Gv9Ao7VeQJyiIYpLp3Kdaw.          A public meeting will be held to review redevelopment of the Midtown Motel, located at 220 Huntington Avenue.  Comments are welcome and due by November 28th, and may be submitted by visiting: http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/220-huntington-avenue

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Dear Members and Friends:
Please see these announcements and upcoming events:

1. Fenway Cares East/West food distribution and Flu Shot, October 28, 3:30-5:30 p.m.Thanks to the Fenway Community Center and volunteers from Fenway Cares, free produce and grains will be distributed Wednesday, October 28th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at The Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. In addition, with the support of CVS Pharmacy, a flu clinic will be held at Symphony Community Park. Flu vaccines are free with proof of insurance, and $25.00 without insurance.

2. Community Meeting: Queensberry Pure Cannabis Dispensary, October 28, 6:00 p.m.Please plan to attend this community meeting to share your views on a dispensary proposal for the heavily residential West Fenway Neighborhood.Queensberry Pure proposes to operate a marijuana store at 112-114 Queensberry Street.
Meeting Link: https://cityofboston.webex.com/cityofboston/onstage/g.php?MTID=e05f5fad05b54e3788b09d4465e2b2848
Meeting Password: 2020
Audio Conference: To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
United States Toll
+1-408-418-9388
Access code: 173 783 4432

If you are interested in commenting, but unable to attend, please send your email to:
Lesley Delaney Hawkins, Boston Cannabis Board: CannabisBoard@boston.govCC: Councilor Kenzie Bok at Kenzie.Bok@boston.gov, Representative Chynah Tyler at Chynah.Tyler@mahouse.gov

3. DCR Metered Parking Proposal comment deadline, October 30The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) proposes to implement 399 metered parking spaces in the Fenway along Park Drive, the Fenway, and Charlesgate East. FCA encourages all to write their comments to:mass.parks@mass.govTo view the presentation, visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/curbside-parking-meter-proposal-meeting-presentation/download

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Are you ready to vote in the State Election?One of the most important and powerful things you can do as a City of Boston resident and a United States citizen is to vote. We have information below on the State Election taking place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, including details on your different options for voting.

Important Deadlines:

• Saturday, October 24, at 8 p.m.: Last day to register to vote
• Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30: Early voting period(check locations and hours)
• Wednesday, October 28: Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot
• Monday, November 2, at 12 p.m.: Last day to apply in-person for an absentee ballot
• Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day): Last day to return your completed vote-by-mail ballot or vote in person at polling locations from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

View your ballot online. All registered voters can also choose to vote by mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Wednesday, October 28. You can also vote in person during the early voting period from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30, or in person on Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, in accordance with public health guidelines.

See more at Boston’s election page.

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DCR Traffic Advisory: Agassiz Road in Boston

WHAT:          Starting Wednesday, October 7, 2020 (excluding weekends) the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement a road closure along Agassiz Road from Fenway to Park Drive in the City of Boston from 7:00AM to 5:00PM to accommodate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Phase 2 Muddy River Flood Risk Management Project. Agassiz Road will be closed to vehicles during weekdays for a period of two years. Pedestrian access will be maintained for the duration of the project. Traffic and pedestrian patterns will be clearly marked. Flaggers and police details will be on site. For information about the project please visit the Corps’ project website.

WHERE:       Agassiz Road from Fenway to Park Drive in the City of Boston 

WHEN:          Starting Wednesday, October 7, 2020

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Dear Members and Friends:
Hope everyone is safe and well. Please see the following announcements:

1. Wednesday, September 30th 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Flu Clinic at Fenway Community CenterAll Fenway residents are invited to come get a flu short from friends of Fenway Cares – CVS Pharmacy

• Free with proof of insurance
• Shots available for individuals aged 9 and older
• If possible, wear a short-sleeved shirt under your jacket for access

Fenway Community Center is located at 1282 Boylston Street (entry on Jersey Street) in the West Fenway. For more information, write hello@fenwaycommunitycenter.org or call (857)246-9053Not a member yet? Learn more and join by visiting www.fenwaycommunitycenter.org

2. Now online – Octopus DreamsDid you miss Kaji Aso Studio’s virtual evening of art, music, and poetry, and want to catch up?This event is now available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9K5ox-HohjHlspzYedQxNOIO8gUFVf8N

3. Saturday, October 3, Tree mulching with Northeastern UniversityA big thanks to  students and Northeastern University’s Office of City and Community Engagement for their support for urban forestry. FCA will be mulching street trees along Westland Avenue together with students, starting at 10:00 a.m.

4. Tuesday, October 6th 6:00 p.m. (to be confirmed) – Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) MeetingJoin the NIC and Berklee College of Music to hear updates from Berklee, the city, and others and to discuss issues of shared concern.This meeting is virtual; for more information write to asmith@berklee.edu or rchambers@berklee.edu.

5. Wednesday, October 7th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 819 Beacon Street Public MeetingThis is a public meeting for the 819 Beacon Street project in the Audubon Circle neighborhood. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and give feedback. To attend, register at www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8eMO_bxsTsW9NjpZBtDbxgTo read more about this project and to submit your comments, visit: http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/819-beacon-streetAttachments area

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Dear Members and Friends:
September is quickly approaching its end, and while we have more updates to send you for October, please see the following meetings, events, and opportunities for this month:

1. Tuesday September 22, 4:00 p.m. – Boston Police Task Force Listening SessionThe  Boston Police Reform Task Force has completed its initial, draft recommendations to bring lasting, systemic change to the Boston Police Department.There is a two-week public comment period before final recommendations are submitted to Mayor Walsh.[Read the report & learn more on how to submit feedback]or submit your comments by visiting bit.ly/BPD_ENG.For instructions on how to join the meeting, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-police-task-force-community-listening-session

2. Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.-730 p.m. – Northeastern University Task Force MeetingJoin this meeting of the Northeastern University Task Force to discuss the university’s development, including proposed student housing at 840 Columbus Avenue.The meeting will be hosted online using Zoom. Please register using this link to receive instructions for joining the meeting.You may register in advance at: bit.ly/NUTF9-22

3. Friday, September 25th 7:00 p.m. – Kaji Aso Studio Virtual eventPlease join Kaji Aso Studio as they present OCTOPUS DREAMS*, a free, uplifting presentation of art, music, and poetry
CLICK HERE for OCTOPUS DREAMS on Sept. 25th @ 7pm EDT Program is approximately 45 minutes long.  This event is FREE and open to the public. Contact: administrator@kajiasostudio.com  Website: https://www.kajiasostudioevents.com/
* This program is supported in part by a grant from the City of Boston’s Arts and Culture COVID-19 Fund. ** This program is supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council and administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.** This program is supported in part by a grant from the Mission Hill / Fenway Neighborhood Trust.*

4. Saturday, September 26th – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Reopening
The Museum of Fine Arts reopens for limited visits, and includes the Women Take the Floor exhibit in its Art of the Americas wing. To learn more or register for tickets, visit mfa.org/visit

5. Wednesday, September 30, 2020 – Census deadlineHelp make sure Boston’s communities don’t lose out on representation and funding for the next ten years by participating. Visit https://my2020census.gov/ or call 844-330-2020 TODAY. 

In other news:

Past Presentations: For those who missed recent presentations on 60-80 Kilmarnock Street and 819 Beacon Street, you may visit the following links:

60-80 Kilmarnock Street 9/17/20 video:https://bpda.app.box.com/s/dtwg194nfpfz4z610sxl396uxgsryef8

819 Beacon Street 9/14/20 video: https://bpda.app.box.com/s/mb1el7shjuzes6ti30g8axvh72lptt3n

Community Choice Electricity:  Community Choice Electricity is a new City-run program being launched to provide affordable and renewal energy to residents and businesses. There are a number of upcoming meetings – you may sign up to stay informed through this link, or get more information by visiting: https://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/community-choice-electricity

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In need of fresh produce or know someone who is? Fenway Cares has organized COVID-related food support and will be hosting a free, fresh product pick up on  September 2 between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m.

West Fenway location is the Fenway Community Center, located at 1282 Boylston Street (pick up on Jersey Street) East Fenway location is Symphony Community Park, located at 39 Edgerly Road (pick up in park)Produce will be first come, first served. 

Need help with a delivery or want to volunteer? Fill out an intake form at bit.ly/FenwayCaresFoodSee the attached poster for more information.
Fenway Cares is a collaborative effort of the Fenway Community Center, Fenway Civic, Fenway Alliance, Fenway CDC, Operation P.E.A.C.E., Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association, and the efforts of Fenway residents.Food distribution is made possible through a generous grant from the Mission Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Trust.

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